Africa
Death Toll Rises to 13 in Malawi After Days of Torrential Rainfall
At least 13 people have been confirmed dead in Malawi following days of heavy rainfall that triggered widespread flooding across several parts of the country, authorities have said.
According to disaster management officials, the relentless downpour caused rivers to overflow, sweeping away homes, farmlands, and critical infrastructure. Many families have been displaced, with emergency responders working to rescue stranded residents and provide temporary shelter.
The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) in Malawi reported that the floods have affected multiple districts, particularly low-lying communities that are prone to seasonal flooding. Several people remain missing, raising fears that the death toll could increase as search and rescue operations continue.
Local authorities say roads and bridges have been severely damaged, complicating relief efforts and cutting off access to some rural areas. Humanitarian agencies have begun mobilizing aid, including food supplies, clean water, and medical assistance for affected communities.
Weather experts have warned that more rainfall is expected in the coming days, heightening the risk of further flooding and landslides. The government has urged residents in vulnerable areas to relocate to higher ground as a precaution.
Flooding is a recurring challenge in Malawi during the rainy season, often worsened by poor drainage systems, deforestation, and the impacts of climate change.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to assess the full scale of the damage and coordinate long-term recovery plans for affected communities.
*South Africa’s Water Crisis Worsens as Criminal Gangs Exploit Shortages
By Ezinne Obah
South Africans are raising concerns that criminal gangs are taking advantage of the country’s deepening water crisis, turning a basic service failure into a growing public safety threat.
In parts of Johannesburg, residents say prolonged water outages; some lasting over a month, have left communities desperate, creating an opportunity for organised criminal networks to step in and profit. Locals report that gangs are exploiting the shortages by controlling access to water supplies and forcing residents to pay for services that should be publicly provided.
The crisis, driven by ageing infrastructure, poor maintenance, and years of underinvestment, has already strained daily life. But the emergence of so-called “water mafias” has added a dangerous dimension, with reports suggesting that some criminal groups manipulate supply systems or insert themselves into distribution channels for financial gain.
Authorities have acknowledged the presence of organised networks linked to water tanker operations. Law enforcement officials say these groups sometimes demand payments from contractors or interfere with water delivery systems, further complicating efforts to provide relief to affected communities.
The growing crisis has triggered protests in several areas, with residents demanding reliable access to water, a right guaranteed under South Africa’s constitution. The situation has also intensified political pressure on the government, which has already identified organised crime and failing service delivery as major national challenges.
Analysts warn that if the crisis continues, it could deepen inequality, as poorer communities; unable to afford alternative water sources, remain the most vulnerable to both shortages and exploitation.
The developments highlight how infrastructure failures, when left unresolved, can create opportunities for criminal activity, turning essential services into commodities controlled by illicit networks.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda have agreed to take steps toward easing tensions following high-level talks held in Washington, D.C., signalling a renewed push to stabilise one of Africa’s most volatile regions.
According to a joint statement released after the March 17–18 meeting, both countries committed to “concrete steps” aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo and advancing the implementation of a previously signed peace agreement.
The talks, hosted by the United States, come amid escalating violence in eastern Congo, where fighting involving the M23 rebel group has continued despite earlier peace efforts. The conflict has strained relations between Kinshasa and Kigali, with the Congolese government accusing Rwanda of backing the rebels, an allegation Rwanda denies.
As part of the new understanding, both sides are expected to take measures addressing key security concerns, including the withdrawal of forces from contested areas and action against armed groups operating along their shared border.
The renewed diplomatic push follows mounting international pressure, including recent U.S. sanctions on Rwandan military officials over their alleged involvement in the conflict.
Despite the agreement, analysts caution that the path to lasting peace remains uncertain, as previous ceasefire deals have repeatedly collapsed amid continued fighting and mutual distrust.
Eastern Congo remains one of the world’s most complex conflict zones, with armed groups competing for control of mineral-rich territories, contributing to a prolonged humanitarian crisis.
Resident and Permanent Representatives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have commenced a strategic retreat in Lomé, Togo, to evaluate progress made under the Commission’s 2022–2026 mandate and outline priorities for the remaining period.
The five-day retreat, scheduled from March 9 to 13, 2026, brings together ECOWAS Resident and Permanent Representatives posted across member states, as well as members of the cabinet of the President of the ECOWAS Commission.
The meeting also includes outgoing representatives, creating an opportunity for dialogue, reflection, and the sharing of experiences between former and newly appointed envoys.
Participants are expected to review achievements recorded since the beginning of the Commission’s current mandate while identifying key strategies and priorities for the remaining phase.
In her welcome address, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Togo, Ms. Dewey Emily Gray, described the retreat as timely, noting that it provides the regional bloc with an opportunity to reflect on its performance and future direction.
According to her, the presence of both outgoing and newly appointed representatives will help strengthen institutional memory and ensure a shared understanding of ECOWAS goals among member states.
The retreat was officially declared open on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Abdou Kolley.
Kolley highlighted the critical role played by Resident and Permanent Representations in promoting ECOWAS programmes and initiatives across the region since the launch of the Commission’s 2022–2026 mandate.
He noted that the representatives serve as a vital bridge between the Commission and member states, helping to facilitate the implementation of regional policies and development programmes.
During the retreat, participants are expected to deliberate on ways to strengthen coordination among member states, enhance the visibility of ECOWAS activities, and improve collaboration with national authorities and other regional stakeholders.
The meeting will also provide an opportunity to reflect on lessons learned over the past four years and explore new strategies aimed at deepening regional integration, cooperation, and development in West Africa.
Observers believe the outcome of the Lomé retreat could shape the final phase of the Commission’s current mandate as ECOWAS continues to pursue its objectives of regional stability, economic integration, and collective development.